Imogene Absher

Imogene Absher MARION–Imogene Absher, 90, of Marion completed her journey on Earth and went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 7:25 PM, August 27, 2010 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Home in Herrin. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Wayne Absher officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Alzheimer’s Association; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Imogene was born November 11, 1919 in White County, Illinois to Loren and Della (Malone) Fairchild. Her family later moved to Marion, where she graduated from Marion High School in 1937. She then attended Brown’s Business College and prepared herself for a long career in business. She was secretary to officers at Chanute Field in Rantoul during World War II, but most of her business career was spent as co-owner and office manager of Absher Motor Sales in Marion until her retirement in 1984. She married Mason Absher on July 25, 1941. They shared 68 years of marriage until his death in September, 2009, and were the parents of two children. Survivors include son, Bill Absher and wife, Sandy; daughter, Betty Bowles and husband, Ed; three grandsons, David Arnold and wife, Kimberly; Michael Absher and wife, Cheryl all of Marion; and Colonel Kevin Fox, USAF and wife, Linda of Las Vegas, Nevada; six great grandchildren, Jessica, Jarrod and Jordan Arnold, and Cole, Reed and Will Absher all of Marion; one niece, one nephew and many extended family members. Preceding her in death were her husband; parents; sister, Nadine Harty; brothers, Floren Fairchild and Loren Fairchild, Jr.; and two nephews. Imogene was an avid gardener, collector, and enjoyed many other hobbies before Alzheimer’s disease robbed her of her abilities. She was an active member of First Church of God during her many productive years. She was best known for her ability to get things done. She helped her children, grandchildren, other relatives and strangers when she saw a need. Friends, relatives or strangers could always count on Imogene for help.